SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It looked for a while like Paula Crouch would not win a full term as Sangamon County Sheriff Tuesday night; but as votes from the more rural areas of the county came in, Crouch pulled through.

She defeated former Illinois State Trooper and Democrat Marc Bell by about 6,000 votes.

Crouch says she believes she has the support of the department’s employees.

“Change is hard for all of us, whether that be the change in the different programs that we’re focusing on,” said Crouch.  “Having a new sheriff is a change.  New staff is a change.”

Crouch says she hasn’t necessarily upset the apple cart since being appointed two years ago, but she would like to make some organizational and other changes now that she has a full term.  She says among her priorities is coming up with a security plan for the new “The Hub” transportation center still under construction, and coming up with a mental health unit within the Sangamon County Jail, for which bids will soon be sought.

Could Crouch have lost votes because of the death of Sonya Massey, even though she wasn’t appointed to the job until after former Sheriff Jack Campbell resigned?  Crouch said she doesn’t think so.

“I think that (the voters) recognized that I was open to making some changes, and that I was the change that the Sheriff’s office needed,” said Crouch.  “I really think that I’ve proven myself to them, and they’re ready for what the future has in store.”

Crouch thanked Bell for acting professionally during the campaign.